Career models, job satisfaction, and type of work-related behavior presented by Polish nurses: A cross-sectional post-COVID-19 study.

Abstract

Background: Nurses constitute a crucial professional group within the healthcare system. Job satisfaction and opportunities for professional development directly impact the quality of medical services provided and help prevent burnout. The study aimed to assess the preferred career model, the level of job satisfaction, and determine the type of work-related behavior presented by Polish nurses.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 795 nurses after the COVID-19 pandemic. Three standardized scales were used: My Career questionnaire to access the preferred career model, the Job Satisfaction Scale, and Work‑Related Behavior and Experience Patterns (Arbeitsbesorgenes Verhaltens und Erlebenmuster - AVEM) questionnaire assessing types of work-related behavior. Descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression were used for analysis of data.

Results: The results concerning the relationship between the types of work-related behavior, job satisfaction, and the preferred career model revealed that type G (healthy) was significantly and positively correlated (p < 0.05, r > 0) with the Challenge subscale of the career model (r = 0.095, p = 0.007) and job satisfaction (r = 0.136, p < 0.001). The higher the score on the Challenge subscale and greater job satisfaction, the more pronounced type G personality. The multiple linear regression models explained only 2.5 to 5% of the variability of studied questionnaire outcomes but indicated that significant, independent predictors for the My Career questionnaire subscales and AVEM raw scales for each type were additional qualifications, level of education, work experience, and place of work. Significant predictors of the job satisfaction scale were employment in private healthcare facilities and a master's degree.

Conclusions: Nurses experience job satisfaction, but the workload, demanding daily tasks, and the sense of responsibility can lead them to feel fatigued and burnt out. The preferred career model involves Security and Stability, as well as Service and Commitment to other domains. Only a small percentage of the variability in the results of the analyzed dependent variables was explained by the explanatory variables included in the model. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(1):19-30.